The 25-year-old Yorkshirewoman, who won the 2013 British road title on the same 14-kilometre city centre circuit that will be used in Sunday’s event, is the highest-ranked rider in the field.

She will be supported by team-mates Emma Pooley, Hannah Barnes, Lucy Garner, Laura Trott , Dani King in the race, and it’s this strength in depth that she hopes will enable her to go one better than she did when she took silver at London Olympics in 2012.

“I think being singled out as the favourite, I need a strong team around me as everybody will race to try and make me lose. I’ve got five strong girls around me,” said Armitstead.

“I don’t know how many medals we’ve won between us, but there are a fair few golds in there. I feel very confident with our team.”

Armitstead, who had stitches in her left elbow following a crash in Sunday’s La Course criterium in Paris, believes the forecasted rain and the nature of the course will suit her.

“I really like the weather – the tougher the conditions, the better for me,” she said.

“It’s a one-day race that suits me, there are short and punchy climbs so it’s about repeated efforts with minimal recovery. It’s pretty technical, and I like to think I’m handy on my bike.

“I have the confidence to know that where I attacked last year [on Great George Street, towards the furthest-western part of the course, in the British nationals], I can go to the line solo. I’ll try and do something similar.”

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